October 31, 2012

October 29, 2012

Woke up this morning and realized that this upcoming weekend is Amy's belt class at Studio Crescendoh. I have really been looking forward to it, I love Amy's creative brain and with these, she's firing on all cylinders!!! They are so stunning in person, my photos really don't do them justice.

In the class Amy will be teaching us how to make the straps and turn them into either belts, wrist cuffs, or bag straps, but you can really use them for so many things. I hope to make a belt and a camera sleeve while in class this weekend.

Jennifer Mercede and I painted and doodled on a couple canvases so Amy can cut them up for the students that might want to add that to their creation. Here's one of them:

I was over at Amy's the other day and just the sight of what she was working on had my head spinning with ideas.

I think I might have to buy this one from Amy, look how cute it is with my shoes ;).

As soon as I got home I began gathering supplies...I'll certainly have enough to share, I can't seem to stop collecting little treasures.

Care to join in the fun? Go here to sign up, and if you do, I'll see you Saturday!

{With the seriousness of Hurricane Sandy on news reports today, it doesn't seem right to post without mentioning it. To all of you on the East Coast, our thoughts and prayers are with you!}

A: Nope! Not at all. If you have never stitched before, we will set you up and get you going! I'll teach you a few different stitches and you'll have more than enough skill by then to finish your project. I'll also be bringing the stitching projects shown here to class for inspiration, as your project can be as freely designed as you wish.

Q: Do I have to bring anything?

A: Nope! We'll have everything you need to complete the project on hand, but you may want to rummage around a bit and bring a few found treasures that will make your project extra special to you.

Q: Will you teach me how to free motion stitch?

A: Sure! That'd be a fun thing to incorporate on your project, good idea!

Q: I know you're bringing a bunch of your vinatage findings and trims to sell at the market, but will students be able to purchase them to use on our projects?

A: Sure! I'll bring things to share and things to sell that would work well on your project.

Q: As for your Joyeux Noel Banner, I've seen you make something similar before that was more ornate. Can I do that on mine if I want?

A: Absolutely! I'll bring all the items and glitter and varieties so that you can make the banner of your dreams, be it more simple and refined or bold and beautiful.

Q: Will you have extra kits for sale so I can make 2?

A: Yep! If you are speedy, you might even complete them both in class :).

Q: Can I write what I want on my banner?

A: Anything that will fit, sure, and I'll help you write it out if you don't love your handwriting.

Q: Will you be bringing your handmade ornaments?

A: Yes indeedy, and for those of you that were at the Silver Bella years ago where my table runneth over, the scene this year will look familiar.

For those that weren't there, here's a
photo...I'd gone through a major letting go phase and am amassing a
similar scene for this sale as well. I'll have loads of vintage items,
handcrafted items, and supply items with me.

Q: Will your cute friend Kelly be coming like she has to other events?

A: Yes!! And she'll be bringing her jewelry for the Dreamland Mercantile too!

And another question that just came in:

Q: If I buy a day pass can I take both your classes that day?

A: Yep! You can take both mine, or one of mine and one of another teacher's, whatever you choose.

Pretty sure that's all the questions I've received so far, don't hesitate to ask another in the comments here if you want!

October 23, 2012

I'm teaching two classes at Spellbound in a few short weeks, and wanted to let you know that day passes have opened up for those of you unable to attend the whole event but are interested. There really are some great classes being offered. One of mine is a free embroidery sampler type, Joy Stitched Sampler offered twice over the weekend:

I'm also bringing a boat load of goodies for the Dreamland Mercantile! I'll have original artwork, my stamps and prints etc. as well as some items that have been hard to put in the "let it go Pam" pile from the recent efforts toward organizing and simplifying. Here's a peek at those:

October 19, 2012

I'm off in a working weekend with Heather. I'll try to sneak some behind the scenes shots on my IG feed. Loving our cute little hotel suite. After going out to dinner we retuned to our little treehouse and played with paper and pens. We're such wild and crazy gals!

I met Syd many years ago first via online where we were paired up in a mailing order for a collaborative, then at various art events like Teesha's ArtFiberfest. Syd often travels to art events with her art pal Mary, and after meeting them, we became fast friends. I love spending time with both of them so much, we may seem like an unlikely trio, (maybe that's the magic? i don't know...), but we have spent many an art retreat night in hysterics long after we should have turned in. To meet them is to love them. So, to finally stay at Syd's house was a treat. Her entire house shows a lifetime of art pursuits and a true love of the arts. Look at just this one shot of the kitchen I took, I was so in love with all the colors together...and that little center island...yum!

Jennifer arrived at Syd's not long after I did and we spent the next day was spent prepping for class over at The Art Clinic. Carol, who is Syd's partner in The Art Clinic joined in the fun. Carol is also wonderful and brings a different aspect to the Studio and playtime there, having a wise sage sensibility. She is very much like me in her love of craft tools and varied interests, but she is primarily a silversmith and makes beautiful, intricate works. It was great getting to really know her this trip. She's a real hoot and also super at stepping up and handling any need that anyone had (even if it was for a certain drill with a certain bit, right in the middle of painting- yes, it was me, I confess), besides of course, being a passionate artist.

Here's a pic of Jennifer making me laugh on the way to class :)

Another great group of women joined us in the fun:

Both old friends and new.

As always seems to be the case, especially at The Art Clinic I hear, those that were meant to be there, were.

Jennifer and I had a great time teaching together. Even though we felt we prepared extensively, you never know till you do it what might occur, and we were so pleased that we are making plans to co-teach again soon. (This time with more advanced notice, we promise!)

Jennifer serenaded me by the fire one night:

And in an attmept to entertain her, I think I pretended to be a rock star? ( not really sure what I was doing, but she did laugh at me, so I call it a success).

Always lots of silliness at weekends away, which is so good for the art as well as the soul. Jennifer and Syd being silly:

Here we are goofing around getting ready to load up our teaching demo board. We just didn't want the time to end!

Really, it was a great weekend. And I could go on and on. I wanted to once again thank all the artists that came to join us for the weekend. I know it's not an easy feat to get away from your life and all it entails and that it is an investment in your art, with class fees, materials, travel etc. But I also know that you are all worth it and I'm thrilled that you gave yourself Permission to Play!!!!

And Carol and Syd? You guys are the best! You haven't seen the last of me by a long shot...wait, did I just hear you locking the studio door? You think that's gonna stop me? Hahahahahaha! You should know me better than that by now. xoxox

October 02, 2012

I know I promised more of the studio swap last post, but suddenly, that has been put on hold and I'm busy prepping for teaching this weekend. Unfortunately for me, the work will still be here when I get back, but fortunately for those of you interested, I'll be giving more progress updates then :).

Jennifer, who I'm co teaching with, is now in town, staying at Amy's house since I don't quite have the guest room back in order, but they're coming over tomorrow and we're going to go over all that we want to cover this weekend and I'm sure we'll sneak in some playtime too. Creating with friends is really very fun. That's an unexpected positive about classes; the creative community that occurs. Anyway, we'll be at The Art Clinic and have a couple more spots for those that might be spontaneous and want to jump in and join us!

I spoke with my friend Syd today (she's co-partner in The Art Clinic with Carol), to tie down some details, and just talking about this weeknd got me really excited and yearning to journal and paint and play right then and there.

Both Jennifer and I will be bringing some paintings for sale and prints too.

And I'll be bringing lots of art journals too and am determined to get Jennifer addicted to art journaling as well as the students this weekend!

The studio clean up will have to wait...I'll enjoy the time away from it {and so will my back}. It's going to be worth it in the end then, I can tell already. "Slow and steady wins the race", that's my current motto. Well, the steady part...as in, contine on Pam...which I am determined to do!